Is the ‘car-free city’ key to low emissions, rather than electric cars?

May 9, 2018

Our cities are huge polluters with a main contributing factor to air pollution undoubtedly being transport. Local Governments are implementing low emission zones, which are a high political priority. Reducing emissions and actively encouraging greener fuel technology is top of their priority.

· The London Mayor has promised an expanded “ultra-low emission zone” in Central London by 2019.

· Birmingham City Council are developing plans for a ‘clean air zone’ to be introduced in 2019.

· Great Manchester Combined Authority has a ‘low-emissions strategy and air quality action plan’.

· Oxford City & County Councils are investigating a “zero emission zone” for the City from 2020.

Along with parking levels, air quality emissions assessments are playing a big part in city developments, helping with the planning process.

In TPP’s view, “Cities are clearly responsible for carbon emissions across the world and a main contributing factor to air pollution is undoubtedly transport. We are working with developers to explore cleaner forms of personal transport such as electric cars (with associated charging points), promoting cycling and utilisation of public transport, all reducing the need for car parking provision in city development proposals. Our challenge is to make certain that the developments proposed have the right transport provision for city locations and at the same time ensuring that the commercial requirements of the project are met.”